Ranking DK Metcalf's worst drops in the 2024 NFL season

Without DK Metcalf, the Seattle Seahawks wouldn't be as good as they are. Let's say this right at the beginning. Still, Metcalf could be a better player. And he was probably the reason for Geno Smith's second interception against the San Francisco 49ers because he didn't block his route crisply.

He has largely reduced the silly 15-yard penalties that plagued most of his early career. He also set a Seattle record by posting three consecutive 100-yard receiving games earlier this season. Here too he could be even better.

He needs to fix his drip problems. Not just dropped passes, but catching the ball and then dropping the ball in the form of a fumble. He had no blunders in 2023, but he had two very bad ones in 2024. Here are his worst slumps so far this year.

4. Passes dropped against the New England Patriots in Week 2

Let's not be too hard on Metcalf for this game, because otherwise he had 10 catches for 129 yards and a touchdown. He might have had 150 points if he hadn't dropped two passes. This came after a 2023 season in which Metcalf posted his highest drop percentage since 2020.

Metcalf has the speed and size to be a very productive receiver. What it lacks is anything approaching elite hands. For example, if he had the hands of Tyler Lockett, Metcalf might have 1,600-yard seasons.

3. Early drops against the 49ers slowed any momentum

Metcalf's first drop came after an easy out, with Geno Smith throwing the pass exactly where the ball needed to be for an 8-yard gain. The defender was close to hitting the ball but didn't, and Metcalf didn't have the concentration to catch the ball. A receiver looking to make $30 million or more per season would have done that.

Another thing a receiver looking to get even more money would do is help his quarterback with slightly underthrown deep passes. In the first half, Smith tried to hit Metcalf deep but couldn't quite get to the ball like he wanted, and Metcalf waited for the ball instead of coming back and taking contact from the defensive end. Lockett would have done that; Metcalf doesn't seem to have the living consciousness to do the same.

2. Fumble in the third quarter against the New York Giants

In a game where Seattle was simply outplayed and head coach Mike Macdonald was overwhelmed defensively, the score was still tied heading into the third quarter and Seattle had the edge. Smith completed a pass to Metcalf, who approached the 20-yard line but then spit the ball out. Unlike the fumble that follows the next example of a Metcalf drop, Metcalf simply fumbled and there was no great defensive play.

Sure, Seattle should have played better all game and had the better squad. They would probably score in the third quarter and take the lead. That could have changed the dynamic.

1. Fumble in the first quarter against the Lions

It was just a fumble caused by great play from the Lions' defense and Metcalf's fight for extra yards, but the early error crippled Seattle and hurt the team later. The drive was promising and Seattle knew they were missing a lot of key defensive players, so they had to try to make the game a proverbial racetrack contest. They might not have fumbled Metcalf.

Part of the problem is that Metcalf is big and strong. But he often overestimates his own strength. He's capable of excellence, but he also has to learn that he can't beat four or five defenders at the same time, especially when they know they can knock the ball out.